CookBook Review: Easy Food for Kids (& Giveaway)

Easy Food for Kids

Ryland Peters & Small
October 2009
Specs: 240 pages, 120 color photos
ISBN: 9781845978983


My Review: Let me first be honest here. I am writing this review while eating a Poptart, so my culinary choices might not be right for reviewing a cookbook but this cookbook is for kids and I have one of those. So, I am at least partially qualified. There also might be a cultural differences in this cookbook.  I reside in the United States and this book is published by Ryland, Peters & Small, who have a strong presence in London.

This would be a great cookbook, if you were not a kid.  Unfortunately, the title says "child-friendly food" so I can not give this cookbook high marks.  How many kids do you know that will eat the following: smoked mackerel pate (pg. 61), leek frittata (pg. 74), fiorentina pizza (pg. 120), herby trout triangles (pg 122) and fish pie (pg. 145).  I can see my son's gag reflex in full glory.

I might not be able to recommend this book to kids but it is a great cookbook for adult taste buds. The book is divided into 6 basic chapters: breakfast & brunch, soups & snacks, lunchboxes, hot dishes, desserts and teatime treats. The ingredient lists for each recipe are minimal, time saving and the flavors seem appealing. I did not try any of the recipes for this review. I like the size of the book (7.5" x 7.5") and the color pictures are nice and coordinate well with each recipe.

If you have a child that will try anything, with far reaching tastes, than this cookbook is for you. It will bring a little variety to your meals and the recipes are easy enough that kids could help in prep--making this even more delightful!

2.5 out of 5 stars.

From Publisher: It is often difficult to get children to eat the nutritious meal you have lovingly prepared for them. Easy Food for Kids is packed with more than 100 easy recipes for good, honest food that children will love to eat, and which dont demand lots of your time. 

Whether the little ones are off to school or the whole family is having a lie-in on the weekend, theres a recipe in the Breakfast & Brunch chapter to get everyone off to a storming start. Extra Oaty Porridge and Blueberry Pancakes will be gobbled up in no time. 

Salads, Soups, & Snacks are for those quick meals and munchies when you need something light but nourishing to keep the kids going. Pea and Ham Soup, Thai Chicken Noodle Salad, and Parmesan Breadsticks are healthier than store-bought crackers or potato chips. Making the kids Lunchboxes will ensure that they have a varied diet. Chicken Wraps with Mango Chutney and Cucumber and hot, sweet Butternut Squash Soup will be just what the kids need halfway through their school day. 

For evening and weekend meals, the Hot Dishes chapter caters for every type of hunger. Meatloaf, Fish Cakes, Roast Chicken, Pasta with Ham and Peas, and Chili Con Carneentres this delicious will be loved by kids and adults alike. 

And with Desserts like Brownies and Almond Fruit Crumble, you can reward good eaters with a sweet treat. Get the kids to join in when you bake some Teatime Treats like Apple Cake and Double Chocolate Muffins. Or let them help you make Drinks such as the Mango Smoothie or Strawberry Milkshake, perfect for starting the day or coming home from school.

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I am giving away my review copy of 

"Easy Food for Kids" to one lucky follower. 

Winner will be announced Wednesday. So, FOLLOW ME!!

or RSS me!

XOXO-

**Thank you Marny from Ryland, Peters & Small for the opportunity to review this book**